PATHANAMTHITTA,
SEPT. 22.
The head of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church and Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, Ignatius Zakka-I Iwas, has said that those who criticise the Holy Throne of Antioch are ``ignorant of their sins and follies and may God Almighty forgive them''.

The Patriarch was delivering the blessing speech at a public meeting held at the Manjanikara School grounds during his visit to the Manjanikkara Diara near here this afternoon.

He said the mission of the Church was service to humanity. The believers accorded a rousing reception to the Patriarch at the St. George Jacobite Church in Thiruvalla.

He was received at the Omalloor Cross when he, escorted by a motorcade, reached there around 5-30 p.m. Kaniyamparampil Kurien Cor-Episcopa garlanded the Patriarch and he was escorted to the Manjanikkara Diara by the Metropolitans, Markose Mar Koorilos and Youhanon Mar Militheos, later.

At the Manjanikkara Diara Church, he was received by Kuriakose Mar Eulios and Geevarghese Mar Divanaseus.

The Patriarch offered prayers at the tomb of St. Elias-III, Yakoob Mar Eulios and Benyamin Joseph Mar Osththeos.

A public meeting held at the Manjanikara school grounds was presided by the Catholicos Baselius Thomas-I.